ᐅ Is solar thermal on a north-facing roof cost-effective?

hg6806 schrieb:
Hello everyone,

our shell is already halfway built, and since our budget still "allows" it, I am considering installing a solar system on the roof.
...

It’s not worth it.
But now spending money recklessly? You’ll need it for the exterior work anyway – that usually costs more than you expect. Unless you have already allocated 15,000 (dollars, euros, etc.) for it.
Save the money for unforeseen expenses.

Hello,

hg6806 schrieb:

Our shell construction is already halfway done, and since our budget still allows it, I’m considering a solar system on the roof.

Why are you thinking about a solar system for domestic hot water? Isn’t that function covered by the air-to-water heat pump...

Regards, Bauexperte

Hello everyone,

I would like to revisit this topic because I have seen houses where the solar system is mounted on the exterior wall. In one photo, the system is installed flush against the wall.

Has anyone done something like this before, and is it cost-effective when combined with an air source heat pump?

Visually, I can imagine it looking good flush against the wall since, due to the high side of the monopitch roof above the upper floor, we have a tall wall without windows, and this would break it up a bit.

Solar thermal systems on the facade are better than on the roof because in summer the sun does not shine on them directly, and in winter, with a low angle of incidence, the sun hits the panels at a much steeper angle than on the roof. Additionally, this preserves space for photovoltaic panels.

However, solar thermal systems are generally not worthwhile. At best, they serve ecological concerns, but even then there are better alternatives.